Former Larbert High pupil is high seas hero

Callum Watt has been hailed a hero for his efforts on a stricken yacht.

He was on the Geraldton Western Australia when a 120 foot wave crashed over it, badly injuring four members of the crew and damaging the ship.

The vessel, taking part in a round-the-world race, was still 400 miles from San Francisco when the wave hit, knocking out the boat’s steering and communication systems.

With their doctor one of the injured, the 24-year-old had to tend to the injured and liaise with the US Coast Guard to get help.

Callum said the weather had been horrific for the duration of the five-and-a-half-week crossing from China to America but the waves on Saturday were the biggest he’d seen. He said: “The wave which rolled the boat must have been over 120 foot high, taller than the mast.

“The force of the water was incredible and the boat was thrown around. It ripped off the satellite communication dome and steering post and below deck was awash.”